Buildings to go in cost-cutting

City Learning Centre

TWO lifelong learning centres are set to shut in July, 2013, as part of a programme of cost-cutting building closures.

Saddleworth Lifelong Learning Centre, Uppermill, will close at the end of the academic year along with the Oakbank Centre, Chadderton.

It will then be up to district partnerships to decide if, how and where lifelong services are provided. Options could include using local schools or libraries, while talks are also taking place about the possibility of community groups taking over the buildings.

The £1.6million City Learning Centre which opened in Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, in 2003, will also shut after proposals were passed by the council’s Cabinet last night.

It provides internet safety training for schools, develops new ways of using computers in schools and has a host of hi-tech facilities for pupils.

A total of nine council buildings will close and be potentially sold off which, combined with flexible ways of working, could save £483,000 over three years.

The others are:

Environmental services offices in Alexandra Park.

The former Marland Fold School, Fitton Hill.

Medtia Chambers.

Rock Street Centre, Oldham.

Phoenix Centre, Oldham.

Henshaw Street offices, Oldham.

Council leader Jim McMahon said the council had a lot of empty office space at the civic centre as a result of redundancies, which other staff could move into.

“We are effectively paying twice for office accommodation which is completely unnecessary,” he said.

“We need to save money as we have buildings scattered around the borough which may not be in the best place, position or used to their full potential.

“The other thing this does is support the town centre. It’s really important we bring people back into the town centre.

“This saves the council money but it also supports the high street.”

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet member for housing, transport and planning, added: “This isn’t a proposal to cease delivering the services, it’s a proposal to make better use of the properties we have which may well be underused at the moment.”

Consultation events will be held at Oakbank Lifelong Learning Centre from 2.30 to 4.30pm and 6.30 to 8.30pm today and at Saddleworth Lifelong Learning Centre at the same times tomorrow.
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